Often called the “father of science fiction,” Herbert George
(H. G.) Wells (1866–1946) is the author of many literary works
notable for being some of the first science fiction titles,
including such famed titles as The Time Machine, The War
of the Worlds, The Island of Doctor Moreau, and The
Invisible Man. However, despite being associated with science
fiction, Wells wrote extensively in other genres and on many
subjects, including history, society, and politics, and was heavily
influenced by Darwinism. His book Anticipations of the Reaction
of Mechanical and Scientific Progress upon Human Life and
Thought offered predictions about what technology and society
would look like in the year 2000, many of which have proven
accurate. Wells went on to pen over fifty novels, numerous
non-fiction books, and dozens of short stories. His legacy has had
an overwhelming influence on science fiction, popular culture, and
technological and scientific innovation.